Jill Z. Brenner, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker specializing in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy for trauma, anxiety, depression and relationship issues. The goal of EMDR is to reduce the long-lasting effects of distressing memories by developing more adaptive coping mechanisms.

My Approach

I have been and continue to be amazed by people’s resiliency and the power they have to change themselves and make their lives better. Part of the reason I became a therapist was because of my innate curiosity to learn where someone came from, what their experiences were growing up, and what their beliefs about themselves might be. Getting to know your story helps me join and support you on your path to insight and healing.

Together we will work on identifying blind spots and unconscious beliefs that might be thwarting personal growth. Whether you are coming to see me because you want to talk about a painful experience, are seeking new coping skills, or are just feeling stuck, we will work together to help you move forward and obtain a healthier state of mind.

I am passionate about working with people from all different backgrounds and cultures. I enjoy working with people who are grappling with everyday issues that may be directly affecting their work, relationships, or just day-to-day life. Because of my personal interests in running and endurance sports, I also enjoy working with athletes around challenges such as training/race anxiety, confidence issues, grief and loss due to injury, or post-race blues that might come up during and after their training. I am also interested in the mind-body connection and how EMDR, meditation, and relaxation can help the body heal or manage physical discomfort.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy

The goal of EMDR is to reduce the long-lasting effects of distressing memories by developing more adaptive coping mechanisms.

HOW DOES EMDR WORK?

No one knows how any form of psychotherapy works neurobiologically or in the brain. However, we do know that when a person is very upset, their brain cannot process information as it does ordinarily. One moment becomes “frozen in time,” and remembering a trauma may feel as bad as going through it the first time because the images, sounds, smells and feelings haven’t changed. Such memories have a lasting negative effect that interferes with the way a person sees the world and the way they relate to other people.

EMDR seems to have a direct effect on the way that the brain processes information. Normal information processing is resumed, so following a successful EMDR session, a person no longer relives the images, sounds and feelings when the event is brought to mind. You still remember what happened, but it is less upsetting. Many types of therapy have similar goals, however, EMDR appears to be similar to what occurs naturally during dreaming or REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. Therefore, EMDR can be thought of as a physiologically based therapy that helps a person see disturbing material in a new and less distressing way.

For a more detailed explanation on how EMDR works and other articles about the process from the client’s perspective see our resources page.

CHECK OUT EMDR Resources

HOW DOES EMDR WORK?

For a more detailed explanation on how EMDR works and other articles about the process from the client’s perspective see our resources page.

Schedule your appointment today.